Thousands raised for mom who suddenly died visiting Toronto for daughter's graduation

A GoFundMe has been established to support a family with repatriation efforts following the unexpected death of a woman visiting Canada from the Philippines to attend her daughter’s graduation.

May 22 was a happy day for Chanah Bernadas.

A student from Centennial College in Toronto, she welcomed her mom, Cynthia, who had travelled from the Philippines for her daughter's graduation. The crowdfunding page set up for the family states that it was "a moment that was supposed to be filled with pride and celebration."

But just over a week after arriving in Canada, Cynthia complained of severe chest pains and difficulty breathing before she was rushed to the hospital. At the hospital, doctors found fluid buildup around her heart. She was then hospitalized for four days and underwent urgent procedures to drain the fluid.

By June 4, doctors deemed Cynthia fit enough to go home, but before leaving, she was advised to return the next day for treatment due to fluid in her lungs. Despite her health challenges, she managed to attend Chanah’s graduation on June 6, "a moment that meant the world to both of them."

A photo shows the mother and daughter next to each other under a flower arch with the sign "Class of 2025."

But tragedy struck on June 8, when Cynthia's condition worsened.

As she struggled to breathe, the family called 911; however, she had stopped breathing by the time the paramedics arrived and required CPR. Although paramedics managed to revive her heartbeat, doctors said that a blood clot had formed around her heart.

"They informed us that she would not survive," reads the fundraiser statement written by Chanah's friend, Alyssa Tejada.

"This sudden loss has left my friend and her family devastated — not only emotionally, but also financially. They are now faced with unexpected medical bills, funeral expenses, and the cost of returning her mother to the Philippines so she can be laid to rest in her home country."

As of Wednesday afternoon, the family had raised $11,200 of their $30,000 goal. Tejada said that donations will be used to cover the family's urgent expenses.

According to a public Facebook post shared by Chanah's sister, Clarabelle, the family has decided to cremate Cynthia's remains.

"Since it's too expensive to bring mama's body back to the Philippines, my family plans to have her cremated in Canada," she wrote in Tagalog, adding that they will host a viewing online. "Thank you so much to everyone who helped and continues to help."

On June 11, Clarabelle shared a photo of a white rose with the caption, "I love you, mom. Always and forever."